Chapter 944, Palace and Clay Sculptures

Translator: Silavin

 

The long-sealed doors opened with a *creak…* immediately raising billowing dust.

 

This dust also glimmered with golden light, seeming to be a type of gold powder of considerable value.

 

In the Imperial City of the Earth Tripartite, not only were the city walls built of gold, basically all structures were also forged from gold.

 

Moreover, this metal was not purely gold.

 

Some even more precious materials should have been mixed in.

 

Otherwise, could these structures have endured a change in era without being damaged?

 

Therefore, this dust should also be the weathered product of this metal. If collected, it could probably sell for a good price.

 

But now, no one had leisure to estimate just how much wealth existed in this place where gold lay everywhere. Because before them, the Imperial City palace’s great doors had been opened.

 

Whether an Ancient God existed within was about to be revealed!

 

As golden dust scattered, the doors opened, beams of light illuminating the palace interior, allowing everyone to see everything inside clearly.

 

The palace was magnificent, with carved beams and painted pillars everywhere, intricate patterns carved throughout.

 

Its interior was extraordinarily spacious, like a massive plaza.

 

At the same time, in the plaza’s very centre stood five hundred clay sculptures, solemn and imposing.

 

Each possessed six arms, very similar to the Asura Guards outside, but even more towering than the Asura Guards.

 

In terms of size alone, these clay sculptures were at least three times the height of Asura Guards.

 

Even standing motionless, one could feel tremendous pressure emanating from them.

 

Besides these hundred clay sculptures, at the palace’s deepest point stood a throne crafted from gold.

 

On the throne sat another clay sculpture.

 

This sculpture’s height had already reached over twenty meters, even more massive than the other sculptures.

 

He also possessed six arms, two of which supported a giant sword sealed in clay, while the other four arms each held pearl orbs, staves, and other one-handed weapons that appeared quite delicate compared to his massive form.

 

This clay sculpture sat steadily on the throne, exuding the majesty of a King.

 

The five hundred sculptures below were merely his attendant guards.

 

In the vast palace, the appearance of these five hundred-plus sculptures that might very well be Monsters was not good news for those present. Therefore, although Mikami Saburo opened the doors without encountering any attacks or triggering any traps, this scene alone made everyone present gasp, unsure how to proceed.

 

For a time, everyone remained completely silent, afraid of inviting trouble.

 

This quiet situation persisted for a full ten minutes.

 

Seifu Murasaki was first to clear her throat lightly, speaking in a low voice to Mikami Saburo and Nichirin Takeshi beside her. “This should be the centre of the Earth Tripartite, no mistake. I think these clay sculptures here likely hold deep significance. The one on the throne should be the King of one of the races within the Earth Tripartite. As for the others, they must be his personal guards. But, I don’t quite understand why a Race from the previous era would create so many clay sculptures in such a place. For this Race, does doing this carry some special meaning!?”

 

Nichirin Takeshi pondered for a while before speaking. “Like I would know… If we want to understand their customs, we should have brought some scholars. All these years, we’ve devoted our energy to improving our own strength. Who would know how to explore the culture of races from the previous era? Regardless of anything, the one on that throne should undoubtedly be their King. The question now is what these clay sculptures represent. Will they transform into Monsters and attack us?”

 

Mikami Saburo gazed at these sculptures, exclaiming in admiration. “To be honest, I’m actually quite interested in things from the previous era. My home collection even contains some civilizational artifacts left from the previous era. But, I’ve truly never seen a place like the Earth Tripartite, that has preserved everything from their era to such a degree. The architectural complex outside and the golden city wall are one thing. Just look at these clay sculptures. They are absolutely flawless, without the slightest imperfection! I truly cannot imagine what a massive commotion these sculptures would bring to the world if they came to light.”

 

Seifu Murasaki said disapprovingly. “At a time like this, is it the moment to discuss about historical artifacts? Right now, what troubles us is what exactly these clay sculptures are. Not how precious they are! If they’ll transform into Monsters, we need to find a way to clear them out. If they are just statues, I’ll still just clear them all away without hesitation. I can’t possibly let them become obstacles to our search for the Ancient Gods!”

 

“Mikami Saburo, you said you have some knowledge about things from the ancient era. Can you tell what these clay sculptures actually are?”

 

Mikami Saburo glanced at her. “It’s only a hobby to me. I’m not a real expert. How could I possibly tell what these are? Just now, I already used Appraisal on them but there was no reaction. In my view, they definitely aren’t Monsters right now. But whether they’ll transform into Monsters remains unknown. I think this palace definitely isn’t a benevolent place, but if we want to find the Ancient Gods, we must thoroughly search through this palace. So, these clay sculptures must be carefully studied…”

 

Speaking thus, Mikami Saburo pondered for a while, then said. “How about this: we have a few Frontliners with the Highest Defence to go into the palace and see what exactly these clay sculptures are. Supporters are to watch from behind. If anything seems wrong, immediately cast their various Buffs and Healing Skills to protect them as they retreat out. The rest will be responsible for backup. If Monsters really emerge, everyone will immediately attack.”

 

As he spoke, Mikami Saburo looked at the doors here. “This palace should be relatively sturdy. If Monsters really appear inside, they can only emerge from these doors. We can have some people guard the doors. As long as we cooperate, even five hundred Monsters can be killed without fail!”

 

Both Nichirin Takeshi and Seifu Murasaki nodded, agreeing with Mikami Saburo’s method.

 

However, among those present, those Frontliners skilled at defence inwardly cursed up a storm.

 

They were basically being made to sweep away mines from the palace!